In an upcoming event slated for May 3rd, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent figure within the Congress, is set to lead a rally in support of Ram Nath Sikarwar, the nominee representing the INDIA bloc for the Fatehpur Sikri seat in Uttar Pradesh. The electoral battle is scheduled to unfold on May 7th.
Announcing the event, AICC’s UP representative, Avinash Pande, conveyed, “Priyanka Gandhi will spearhead a roadshow in the Fatehabad assembly vicinity, falling under the Fatehpur Sikri Lok Sabha constituency, on May 3rd,” speaking to ETV Bharat.
Sikarwar, a retired Army personnel with a commendable service record including participation in the Kargil conflict, presently resides modestly within the premises of a local temple complex in the Kheragarh region. The political landscape of Fatehpur Sikri is characterized by a narrative pitting the humble resources of Sikarwar against the affluence and influence of the area’s elite, who are backing the rival candidate, BJP’s incumbent MP, Rajkumar Chahar.
The BSP has entered the fray by fielding Ram Niwas Sharma, a Brahmin candidate, aiming to leverage the substantial Brahmin population in the parliamentary seat, which encompasses five assembly segments: Fatehpur Sikri, Fatehabad, Kheragarh, Agra Rural, and Bah.
Internal discord within the BJP’s ranks has surfaced, as local MLA Babulal Chaudhary has fielded his son Rameshwar Chaudhary as an independent candidate in the parliamentary seat, comprising approximately 3 lakh Jat voters out of the total 18 lakh.
While historically a battleground between the BJP and the BSP, the addition of a Congress candidate from the Thakur community has transformed the contest into a three-way tussle, injecting intrigue into the electoral dynamics. The 2019 election saw BJP’s Chahar prevailing over Congress’ Raj Babbar, now a candidate from Gurgaon, Haryana.
In the 2022 UP assembly elections, Ram Nath, known for his proximity to Priyanka Gandhi, fiercely contested BJP’s Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha in the Kheragarh constituency, amassing over 65,000 votes. Priyanka Gandhi had then led a roadshow in support of his candidacy.
In the current electoral landscape, Sikarwar holds the potential to erode the BJP’s Thakur vote bank in the Lok Sabha constituency. Supported by the SP’s Muslim and backward caste constituents, he poses a formidable challenge to the saffron party’s electoral strategy, as per insights from Congress insiders.
“Sikarwar’s campaign draws significant support from grassroots funding and resonates strongly with the local populace. We are confident in our candidate’s prospects. The BJP is grappling with internal divisions, while the BSP’s influence is on the wane. The electorate seeks leaders with unblemished integrity,” remarked AICC’s UP secretary, Pradeep Narwal, in conversation with ETV Bharat.
Having retired from the Army in 2004, Ram Nath has since been actively engaged in social welfare initiatives through his organization, Laxman Sena, particularly advocating for the welfare of laborers and farmers. Often attired in army fatigues, Sikarwar enjoys popularity across age groups, frequently seen cycling during his campaign trails, including his journey to file nomination papers. His campaign emphasizes the imperative of combating corruption within a system dominated by the affluent and powerful.
“Sikarwar’s grassroots experience as a Panchayat member equips him with a nuanced understanding of local politics, where vested interests often seek to undermine democratic processes. Empowering the voices of the marginalized is paramount,” emphasized Narwal.
